The easiest way around Shimoda and Minami Izu  is by car, since many of the major sights and attractions are relatively far apart from each other. Though, many sights are within walkable from the nearest train station and busses connect the entire area. If you decide to rent a car, it is advised to do so from the nearest airport in the vicinity. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below. 

Valid rail passes:

• JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass

• JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass

• JR East Tohoku Area Pass

• JR Tokyo Wide Pass

Nearest airport: 

The nearest and most convenient airport is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

• by car: approximately 4 hours

• by public transport: approximately 3 hours

Rental cars:

We recommend staying here between two and three days. 
 

The nearest and most convenient airport is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

• by car: approximately 4 hours

• by public transport: approximately 3 hours

Scenic rides:

(Be advised that scenic boat tours usually close down during the autumn and winter periods.)

• Toji Sand Ski Resort: click here to go to the official website

• Irozaki Cape Cliffs Viewing Ferry Service: click here to go to the official website

• Ferryboat to Hirizo beach: click here to go to the official website

• Shimoda Ropeway: click here to go to the official website

• Izu Cruise Company.: click here to go to the official website

Beaches:

The swimming season on mainland Japan is usually between July and August. 

Hiking: 

The hiking season in this area typically runs from Spring until Autumn.

Fruit picking:

(January to March is generally a great time to pick strawberries in Japan.)

• Izu Shimoda Nagomi strawberry orchard: click here to go to the official website

There are two well-known festival in this area. Please be advised that the following info is based upon previous entries of the festival and that the dates might have changed for the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of the festivals, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

• Shirahama Summer Sea Fireworks Festival

  • Date: July 20th

  • Time: 20:00 - 20:20
     

• Yumigahama Fireworks Festival

  • Date: August 8th

  • Time: 20:00 - 20:30

We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:

• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data only)
• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data + voice)
• Sakura Mobile Unlimited Wifi / Pocket Wifi